Hi, I’m Mrs. Collazo and I am so excited to be a 1st grade classroom teacher and a member Belmont Eagles family! This is my third year teaching at Belmont. I am the first grade instructor for the Super Starfish in Rm. 109. Last year I was the Kindergarten teacher. I'm so excited to be looping with many of my students from last year. I'm also happy to invite new students to my classroom. I love working with my your children! We are going to explore the ocean of knowledge that is 1st grade!

So who am I?

I have a Master’s degree (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction Multicultural Multilingual Instruction from George Mason University and a Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Elementary Education from St. Joseph’s University. I have had some diverse teaching experiences. Prior to moving to Virginia, I worked as the Headmistress of English (Pre-K thru 6th Grade) at New Model International School in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I was in charge of 20+ teachers and 450 students. I designed the English curriculum. I have also taught 5th Grade, autistic, pre-school and emotionally disturbed students. I speak two languages (English and Spanish).

I am happily married to my husband of sixteen years. I have two children, Isabel (7 years) is a second grader at Belmont and Sebastian (11 years). Our dog Rex is a silver Labrador. He’s 3 years old and loves to swim in our pool!


Our 1st Grade program is based the PWCS curriculum standards and the Baldrige Education Program where each student, and class, take ownership of their success! In the area of writing, we teach "Writer's Workshop" including EPIC folktales and non-fiction units. Guided reading and Literacy Lessons are also integrated to help every child continue on their reading journey. Our staff has been personally trained by Dr. Jan Richardson the author of the PWCS Guided Reading program. Math Investigations and blended math centers on experiential learning of math concepts.

I can't wait to discover and learn with all of my super starfish! We'll have oceans of learning fun!